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Partner Content JANUARY 9, 2023

16 Best Smelling Soaps for Men

From well-known brands to lesser-known ones, there’s sure to be something on this list of the best smelling soaps for men that catches your eye.

16 Best Smelling Soaps for Men

Sponsored Content Provided by Machines Agency

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There’s nothing better than starting your day with a nice refreshing shower, but it’s even better when your soap makes you smell great too.

There are thousands of kinds of soaps out there, and most of them smell feminine. These soaps smell great on women, but as a man, you probably aren’t looking to smell like a rose garden. Maybe it’s time to invest in a quality product that will leave you feeling refreshed and looking sharp.

But with so many soaps marketed toward women, how do you find one that leaves you clean and smelling like a man?

Well, look no further. We’ve rounded up the 16 best smelling soaps for men. From well-known brands to lesser-known ones, there’s sure to be something on this list of the best smelling soaps for men that catches your eye. And trust us, these soaps smell amazing!

1. Blu Atlas Body Wash 

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Blu Atlas is premium skincare for the modern man. They claim to make premium personal skincare for men that is backed by science with all-natural ingredients, so it’s no wonder they are our top choice for our list of the best smelling soaps for men.

Blu Atlas Body Wash is a luxurious all-natural body wash formulated with green tea, sugar cane, and aloe vera to cleanse pores and lock in moisture. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, making it perfect for revitalizing any tired skin or soothing irritated skin. Aloe acts as a natural moisturizer that helps to keep skin hydrated all day long. Plus, it smells amazing and will make you smell amazing!

2. Caswell-Massey Heritage Newport Bar Soap

Caswell-Massey Heritage Newport Bar Soap is a long-lasting, plant-based soap that’s triple milled to outperform regular soap. It’s inspired by America’s first “seaside” cologne which was first introduced by Caswell-Massey in 1890. It has a sophisticated marine fragrance with notes of spiced mandarin, lavender, and balsam.

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This cologne-inspired soap is perfect for any man that wants to smell and feel their best. It’s also glycerin-rich, which locks moisture into the skin to keep your skin hydrated. Plus, there are no plastic bottles to waste.

If seaside cologne isn’t your thing, Caswell-Massey has numerous other scents that have the same benefits for your skin. Simple scents include almond, lavender, sandalwood, woodgrain and sandalwood, oatmeal and honey, and cucumber. More sophisticated scents include Jockey Club which is based on an 1840 cologne which was a favorite of John F. Kennedy!

The Tricorn soap bar has a sophisticated masculine fragrance with notes of citrus, cocoa, and sandalwood. The Number Six bar is based on a cologne from 1772 and has a contemporary fragrance with notes of citrus, rose, clove, and amber. Finally, the Centuries Verbena Soap has an invigorating burst of citrus verbena and green herbal notes, which will leave your skin lightly fragranced all day long.

3. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser

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Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser is the perfect way to invigorate and refresh your body. Aesop knows simple is better, so they create simple skin care that can be used every day. This soap is made of a blend of both plant-based ingredients and laboratory-made ingredients to ensure you are getting the best of both worlds every time you use this body cleanser. More than anything, this body cleanser will cleanse the skin while also restoring the state of calm.

This best-selling botanically enhanced cleanser gently removes grime and banishes odor leaving the skin beautifully scented and refreshed. This body cleanser has an aroma of green, citrus, and fresh scents that will leave you smelling like a clean spring day. Key ingredients include geranium leaf, mandarin rind, and bergamot rind to ensure maximum cleansing without stripping your skin of its essential oils.

The Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser is a clear gel that is low foaming, so don’t be concerned if it doesn’t produce a thick lather. This formulation is also gentle enough to enjoy as a frequent-use hand cleanser.

3. Duke Cannon Supply Co. Great American Frontier Assortment Men’s Soap

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Duke Cannon Supply Co.’s Great American Frontier Assortment Men’s Soap will transport you to the great outdoors. Duke Cannon soaps were specifically made for the man who isn’t scared to leave wifi and comfort behind to experience everything the world has to offer.

This triple-milled bar soap is made in the USA and comes in three scents that are inspired by the great outdoors. Fresh Cut Pine is described as being for the man who doesn’t need an expensive cappuccino in the morning to start his day. Instead, this soap is for the man who appreciates hard work. The scent of fresh split pine and lush green grass is an invigorating scent that will bring any man back to the basics.

Leaf & Leather is for the man who would rather explore open land on horseback than walk around a parking lot at the mall. This scent is inspired by rolled tobacco leaf and old leather and takes you back in time to when things were simple. There are no citrus or flowery notes in this soap, making it perfect for the manliest of men.

Lastly, Campfire is described as being for any man who loves spending a night under the stars near a glowing campfire. There are rich scents of hickory and burning wood that celebrate a return to the basics. With three masculine scented soaps, you are sure to find one that works for you and makes you smell good all day long.

Plus, at 10 ounces each, these soaps are triple-milled for superior quality and last longer than your average bar soap, which means an excellent value for your money. These sturdy bars are also big enough to fit in your hand, making them easy to lather, and with many unique scents, you’re sure to find one you’ll love. You can buy each scent separately or get a pack of all three to find out which scent works best for you.

4. Bay Rum Men’s Natural Soap by Dr. Squatch 

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Bay Rum Men’s Natural Soap by Dr. Squatch is a unique blend of essential oils and natural ingredients specifically made for men to cleanse and revitalize the skin. This revitalizing soap contains a blend of crushed cloves, cinnamon sticks, crisp pine, and zesty orange essential oils that will awaken your senses while leaving you feeling moisturized and fresh.

The cedarwood essential oil leaves an amazing scent and promotes an even tone in problem areas of the skin when used topically, while vitamins C and E help to calm any problem areas. The fir needle essential oil is also known to help combat body odor when applied topically. Bay Rum Men’s Natural Soap will keep you clean while making you smell wonderful all day long.

If Bay Rum isn’t the scent you’re looking for, Dr. Squatch has other great smelling soaps. One popular bar is Pine Tar, which is described as being rugged and woodsy and smells like old growth forest. Fresh Falls is refreshing and clean with a scent of a crisp forest waterfall. Birchwood Breeze is fresh and woody and smells like crisp birchwood. Wood Barrel Bourbon is a blend of spice and oak and smells like barrel-aged bourbon.

Additionally, while there are many different Dr. Squatch scented soaps, each soap has different levels of exfoliation for your specific needs. With all these options, you’re sure to find a bar of soap that works for you.

5. Pre de Provence No. 63 Men’s Cube Soap

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Pre de Provence No. 63 Men’s Cube Soap is classic, spicy and masculine. Made with men’s skin in mind, this soap is enriched with shea butter to help hydrate and moisturize, and it’s perfect for guys who want to keep their skin clean and hydrated.

Quad-milled for a smooth, long-lasting bar, it won’t melt away in your shower when not in use since it is so dense. Even better, this soap will not leave any residue on your skin, so you’ll only be left with the beautiful and masculine scent.

Aromatic, warm, and spicy in nature, No. 63 is a perfect expression of masculinity. Pre de Provence No. 63 Men’s Cube Soap has top notes of citrus, heart notes of cedar, wood, juicy plums, violet leaves, and base notes of leather and tobacco. This ensures the scent that is left behind on your skin is soft but still masculine, making it a great option for any man. This soap is also gentle enough to be used every day and can even be used on your face.

You can be sure you are getting the best of the best with Pre de Provence No. 63 Men’s Cube Soap because Pre de Provence only uses the finest and natural ingredients. These products are created by following the traditions established generations ago by French artisans. They take extreme pride in their products and promise to uphold quality.

6. Baxter of California Exfoliating Body Bar 

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The Baxter of California Exfoliating Body Bar Soap is rich in lather and contains jojoba meal and crushed olive seeds to help slough off dead skin cells and buff away rough patches. The bar also has a subtle masculine scent thanks to the blend of cedarwood and oakmoss essences. It’s ideal for daily use and leaves your skin feeling smooth, clean, and refreshed.

For best results, gently massage a moistened bar of soap onto your skin in circular motions. After a rich lather has been created, be sure to thoroughly rinse with warm water. Avoid contact with the face in case it causes irritation.

Described as being a pioneer of men’s grooming, Baxter of California was created in 1965 and has been creating high-quality products ever since. They draw from both science and nature to take care of a man’s every need.

7. Mistral Bourbon Vanilla Bar Soap

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Step up your shower game with Mistral’s Bourbon Vanilla Bar Soap. This warm and inviting soap is made with pure vegetable ingredients, including glycerin, grapeseed oil, and grape leaf extract, all of which help to moisturize and nourish the skin.

The luxurious bar is also free from harmful chemicals like parabens, alcohol, and phthalates, and it’s sustainably sourced. Plus, it features a tantalizing blend of bourbon vanilla, smoked bourbon cask wood, and golden tobacco leaf that will leave you smelling great long after you’ve rinsed off.

If Bourbon Vanilla is not the scent for you, Minstrel offers plenty of other options. Black Amber is an original fusion of amber, black patchouli, warm woods, and citrus. Cedarwood Marine is inspired by the Mediterranean coast and is a blend of marine and pine scents. Mezcal Lime smells like freshly squeezed lime juice, guaiac wood, and agave syrup.

Regardless of which soap you chose, you are bound to smell good if you use a Mistral bar soap.

8. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Wash

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Awaken your senses with the fresh, earthy scent of Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Wash from Jo Malone. This invigorating formula is enriched with meadowfoam seed to help cleanse and condition your skin, while the woodsy aroma of sage and sea salt delivers an uplifting fragrance experience.

The fragrance family is earthy and woody, the scent type is earthy green with herbs, and the key notes are ambrette seeds, sea salt, and sage. If you’re looking for a soap that will make any man smell great, the Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Wash is a great choice.

9. Marlowe Body Scrub Soap Bar

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Looking for a deep-cleansing, exfoliating soap bar that smells great? Look no further than Marlowe Body Scrub Soap Bar. With its combination of apricot seed and pumice, this soap can scrub away any layer of dead skin cells, revealing the healthy, new skin hiding underneath.

Choose from three scents: original, oud wood, or santal. Each has its own unique blend of scents. Original is a fresh and woodsy scent that has light scents of pine and agarwood, oud wood is an earthy blend of oud wood, smoked birch, cardamon, and vanilla, and santal is a warm scent with different layers of amber, spice, and citron.

Regardless of which Body Scrub Soap Bar you pick up, you’ll fall in love with the scent. Plus, it’s never tested on animals, made in the USA, and paraben/phthalate free.

10. Boozy Soaps Swag Brewery

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Boozy Soaps Swag Brewery is the perfect soap for craft beer lovers, wine drinks, whisky sippers, or any man who wants to smell great. These products are handcrafted in the USA with quality ingredients that include real beer, wine, and whiskey.

The Kentucky Bourbon Whisky Soap has a scent derived from whisky itself. This soap is made from ingredients like crushed oats, rosemary leaf extract, apricot seeds, and actual whiskey to ensure the scent is authentic.

The Vintage Merlot Wine Soap is scented like real wine and is described as smelling like rich and bright jam. It’s made with ingredients like cranberry seed, rosemary leaf extract, and actual wine. The wine included is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it not only smell great but also a nutritious treatment for your skin.

Finally, the Hoppy IPA Beer Soap smells like real beer with spicy, herbal, and grassy scents. This soap is made with ingredients like rosemary leaf extract, real hops, and beer. These soaps create such a good lather that they are perfect for washing, shampooing, or even shaving.

11. Blue Charcoal Oars Bar Soap

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Blue Charcoal Oars Bar Soap is a deep-cleansing soap that will keep your skin pimple-free and smelling great. This soap is designed specifically for guys who want to get rid of dead skin cells and bacteria that can lead to acne and pimples.

Volcanic Sand gently buffs away the dead skin cells, while Activated Charcoal binds to dirt and sweat to help keep your pores clear. And thanks to the inclusion of Blue Green Algae and Witch Hazel Extract, your skin will be balanced and less oily. The Blue Charcoal Oars Bar Soap smells great and will leave you feeling clean and refreshed.

For best results, it’s recommended to use it every other day. Wet the soap first and massage it into wet skin to remove dead skin cells, then be sure to thoroughly rinse. Avoid your face or open cuts when using this soap.

12. Kiehl’s Grooming Solution Exfoliating Bar Soap

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This Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Exfoliating Bar Soap is perfect for men who want to invigorate and energize their skin. It has a rich, lathering texture that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and clean. The Grooming Solutions Exfoliating Bar Soap is infused with a woodsy aromatic blend that energizes and invigorates the skin while leaving you smelling great all day long.

Pumice is used as an abrasive in the soap and works as a natural exfoliating. This will help to remove dead and rough skin, leaving behind smoother feeling skin. Jojoba seed powder is used within the formula as a gentle exfoliant. After your skin has been thoroughly exfoliated, pracaxi oil is used to add moisture back into the skin.

For best results, it’s recommended to gently massage the bar soap onto wet skin to create a rich lather. After this, be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water. The Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Exfoliating Bar Soap is not meant to be used on the face.

13. Musgo Claus Porto Soap on a Rope

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Musgo Real Classic Scent Soap on a Rope will revive your senses and is the perfect start to any man’s day. This soap is infused with the classic scent of the original Musgo Real fragrance and is a masculine blend of warm musk, patchouli, and vetiver. The top notes are patchouli, neroli, and bergamot, the heart notes are lavender, violet, and wood, and finally, the base notes are vetiver and musk, resulting in an elegant masculine fragrance.

Musgo Real Classic Scent Soap on a Rope is also enriched with walnut extract and formulated with 100% vegetable oils to moisturize your skin. Each soap comes with a pure cotton cord that is manually inserted into the soap by experts to ensure proper placement. The rope reduces the risk of dropping the soap in the shower which makes it easy to hold.

Additionally, the rope makes it possible to hang the soap after use allowing it to dry quickly. When the soap hangs and dries fast, it’s more hygienic and lasts longer, which saves you money in the long run.

14. Charles + Lee Coffee Soap Bar 

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Just like you’d start your day with a cup of coffee, start your day with the Charles + Lee Coffee Soap Bar. This soap bar is formulated with arabica beans and oatmeal for gentle exfoliation, while jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E is added for nourishment and hydration. Additionally, the shea butter helps to reduce blemishes and restore skin elasticity.

The Charles + Lee Coffee Soap Bar smells like coffee and vanilla and is sure to make your shower smell like your favorite coffee shop. This is a great option for any man who wants to smell good and is also vegan and cruelty free.

15. Seattle Sundries Manly Man Soap

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Even though this soap is the last on our list of the 16 best smelling soaps for men, the Seattle Sundries Manly Man Soap is still a great option.

Seattle Sundries Manly Man Soap is the perfect soap for men who want to feel like men. This rich, complex body bar is scented with the oils of clary sage, vetiver, and lime to give it a marvelous musky aroma that can make any man feel like a badass.

Not only does this soap smell great, but it is also good for all skin types. It’s a whole body cleansing experience, including the face. There are no parabens, preservatives, or artificial dyes in this soap either, making it all natural. Plus, this bar is long lasting, meaning you will enjoy it for many showers to come.

While this soap was formulated with men in mind, it is safe for all skin types and women and children to use. You might find that everyone in the family loves the smell of Seattle Sundries Manly Man Soap.

With such a variety of scents ranging from citrusy and woodsy to clean and fresh, there is sure to be something on this list that will make you feel more confident and attractive. Pick your favorite off this list and enjoy the benefits of a good-smelling soap today.

 

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Studio S JUNE 15, 2026

A Modern Take on Steak

Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado

A Modern Take on Steak
Courtesy of Stake Chophouse

Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.

Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.

“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”

Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”

Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.

Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.

“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”

Partner Content
Partner Content JUNE 10, 2026

New Options for GLP-1 Users

Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results

New Options for GLP-1 Users
Courtesy of Scripps Health

While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.

For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.

Partner Content
Partner Content JUNE 5, 2026

Beautiful Balboa Park: Nine Ways to See the City’s Crown Jewel in a New Light

San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.

Beautiful Balboa Park: Nine Ways to See the City’s Crown Jewel in a New Light
Magical San Diego’s Balboa Park at twilight in San Diego California USA

Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural heart.

The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.

Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago. 

Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.  

Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14. 

There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.

If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities. 

If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.

16 Museums, One Pass

Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).

Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.

BuyMyExplorer.com | Phone: 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer 

Fleet Science Center

Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.

Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: FleetScience.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 619-238-1233

Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum

An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.

Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Niwa.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m.
Phone: 619-232-2721

The Old Globe

A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. 

This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.

Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: TheOldGlobe.org
Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain
Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.

Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-234-8291

San Diego History Center

History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.

By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.

Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoHistory.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
Phone: 619-232-6203

San Diego Junior Theatre

Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre. 

Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.

Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: JuniorTheatre.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-239-1311

San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)

This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.

But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.

Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SDNat.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer
Phone: 619-232-3821

WorldBeat Cultural Center

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.

Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: WorldBeatCenter.org
Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 619-230-1190


Event Calendar

Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.

San Diego Air & Space Museum | 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101

Throughout 2026: San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods

Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.

San Diego History Center | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

June –Aug: The 2026 Shakespeare Festival

Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.

The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way,
San Diego, CA 92101

June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps

Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.

San Diego Junior Theatre | 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101  

June 14, July 12, Aug 9: Brunch at The Nat


A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12). 

San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

June 21: Harriet Tubman Freedom Bird Walk

Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with guided birding, storytelling, soul food, native planting and an African peace drum circle.

WorldBeat Cultural Center | 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Aug 7-8: Toro Nagashi Festival

Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.

Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101


Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.

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Tastemakers 2026: La Gran Terraza

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: La Gran Terraza
SDM Tastemakers 2025 (All)

Marbi Becerra, Chef de Cuisine

La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.

At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.

Try This!

Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri

La Gran Terraza

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110
619-849-8205  |  lagranterraza.com  |  @eatatusd

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Tastemakers 2026: Labora Cafe

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: Labora Cafe
SDM: Tastemakers 2026

Lauren Thiemthath & Bao Doan, Owners

Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.

Try This!

Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha

Labora Café

8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111
858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd

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Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium
20260430SD_Mag_Christian_HappyMedium003

Christian Siglin, Bartender & Owner

Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.

Try This!

Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.

Happy Medium

4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104
619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com

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